Mentzen calls for conscription

Sławomir Mentzen, co-leader of Konfederacja and head of the Nowa Nadzieja party, called for the return of compulsory military training in Poland, arguing that relying solely on a professional army leaves the country incapable of defending against Russia. In statements published on X and YouTube, Mentzen cited the war in Ukraine, asserting that Ukrainian defenses would have collapsed four years ago without conscription. Mentzen proposed universal military training for 19-year-olds, writing that he prefers losing electoral support over losing the country. He argued that young citizens would inevitably face wartime drafting without time to flee abroad, making prior instruction critical to their survival.

“Politicians must stop lying to Poles. The return of military service is necessary!”

Konfederacja distances itself from proposal

Konfederacja member of parliament Michał Wawer rejected Mentzen's initiative during an appearance on Kanał Zero, stating that mandatory conscription is not part of the party platform and that Mentzen spoke solely in a personal capacity. Wawer asserted that Konfederacja would not reinstate compulsory service if it came to power, describing such a move as practically impossible for the armed forces. He noted that the Polish military lacks the infrastructure to train an entire entering cohort of roughly 400,000 people. Poland currently operates a voluntary basic military service system capped at around 40,000 recruits annually (representing 10% of an age cohort). Wawer described these one-month courses as inadequate, pointing out that recruits practice live shooting only two or three times, and recommended focusing resources on motivated volunteers and untrained reservists.

Entering age cohort400,000

Voluntary basic service limit40,000

Entering age cohort

400000 people

Voluntary basic service limit

40000 people

Data from the article text

Clash between Mentzen and Law and Justice

Mentzen also criticized defense ideas from Law and Justice (PiS), questioning the party's proposals for short 16-day training courses. Comparing the duration to a standard welder training course lasting two to three weeks, Mentzen questioned how 16 days could build a capable military reserve. He targeted former defense minister Mariusz Błaszczak and PiS vice-president Przemysław Czarnek, asking why eight years of PiS governance left Poland without infrastructure for longer programs. Czarnek had advocated for universal training for all adult men physically fit for service, suggesting either shorter sessions or a Swiss-style model spanning six months across holiday periods over several years.

Appearing on Polsat News, Błaszczak rejected the accusations and defended the previous administration's military record.

“Mentzen is manipulating. We rebuilt the Polish Army from ruins. We established defense from the border, rather than on the Vistula line, and rebuilt military units, including the entire 18th Mechanised Division, which closes the Brest Gate and defends the eastern territories of the country.”

Conscription history and public attitudes

Poland suspended mandatory military conscription in 2009, having conducted its final compulsory intake in December 2008 before halting all draft calls in January 2009. The political argument over conscription follows persistent public skepticism toward reviving mandatory service. A July survey conducted by IBRiS for Rzeczpospolita showed that 51.1% of respondents opposed restoring compulsory service, 37.7% supported its return, and 11.2% expressed no opinion. Despite public opposition, military officials cited by Rzeczpospolita stated that reinstating compulsory service remains a matter of when rather than if, particularly if regional security conditions worsen.

Opposed51.1%

In favor37.7%

Undecided11.2%

Opposed

51.1 %

In favor

37.7 %

Undecided

11.2 %

Data from the article text